What is a copy shop?
A copy shop typically focuses on straightforward document-related services where convenience and relatively small quantities are important.
Depending on the business, services might include:
- photocopying;
- printing standard documents;
- scanning;
- binding;
- laminating documents;
- small walk-in printing jobs;
- self-service printing.
For example, if you need to print a few pages from an email, photocopy paperwork or scan a document, a local copy shop may be exactly what you need.
Libraries and dedicated document-printing services can also be suitable for some of these requirements.
What is a print shop?
“Print shop” is a broader term and can describe several different types of printing business.
Some print shops operate similarly to copy shops and concentrate on everyday document printing. Others provide professional digital printing, large-format printing, signage, finishing and a wide range of printed products.
That’s why two businesses described as print shops can have very different capabilities.
One may be ideal for printing ten pages of a document, while another may be equipped to produce marketing materials, event graphics, booklets, labels, display boards and other commercial print.
If you’re searching for a print shop near you, it’s therefore worth checking the services offered before travelling or submitting your artwork.
What is a commercial printer?
A commercial printer primarily produces finished printed materials for businesses, organisations, events and professional projects.
Rather than simply providing access to a printer or copier, commercial printing generally involves manufacturing a finished print product to a particular specification.
That could involve selecting a suitable material, setting the finished dimensions, determining the quantity, checking the supplied artwork and completing any required cutting or finishing.
We’ve explained this in more detail in our guide to what a commercial printer is and when you should use one.
Print Shop vs Copy Shop vs Commercial Printer
The easiest way to understand the difference is to think about what you’re trying to achieve.
What you need
Service likely to be suitable
A few ordinary documents printed
Copy shop, library or document printing service
Documents photocopied
Copy shop or library offering photocopying
A document scanned
Copy shop or library offering scanning
Professionally printed marketing materials
Print shop or commercial printer
Printed materials for a business or event
Commercial printer
Large-format display materials
Commercial or large-format printer
Printing on a particular paper, card or specialist material
Commercial printer with the required capability
An urgent professional print job
Commercial printer offering express or same-day production
These aren’t absolute rules. Some printing companies cover several of these categories. The important thing is to match your job to a provider with the appropriate equipment, materials and production process.
Do I need a copy shop for basic document printing?
Often, yes.
If all you need is a few sheets of ordinary A4 paperwork, using a commercial printer may be unnecessary. A library, copy shop or document printing service may be quicker and more appropriate.
This is particularly true if you need photocopying, scanning or access to a self-service machine.
If you don’t have access to a printer yourself, our guide explains where you can print documents if you don’t own a printer.
When is a commercial printer the better choice?
A commercial printer becomes more relevant when you’re ordering a finished printed product rather than simply reproducing an everyday document.
For example, you might be organising an event and need printed materials in several formats, preparing marketing material for a business, producing graphics for an exhibition or ordering printed materials on a particular stock.
In these situations, factors such as finished size, material, print specification, quantity, artwork and turnaround become more important.
A commercial printer should be able to establish those requirements before the job enters production.
Does a commercial printer only deal with large orders?
No. Commercial printing doesn’t automatically mean enormous quantities.
Digital printing has made shorter professional print runs practical for many products. Depending on the job, a commercial printer may produce relatively small quantities as well as much larger orders.
Minimum quantities can still apply to certain products, materials and finishing processes, so it’s always sensible to tell the printer exactly how many you require.
Can I walk into a commercial printer and print something?
Not necessarily.
This is one of the biggest practical differences between searching for a copy shop and looking for a commercial printing company.
A copy shop may be designed around customers walking in with a document and having it printed or copied. A commercial printer may instead require you to provide your specification and artwork before production can begin.
Many commercial printing orders can now be arranged remotely. The customer sends the requirements and artwork electronically, the job is confirmed and paid for, and the finished printing is then collected or delivered.
If you’re trying to find somewhere locally, our guide to where you can print near you explains the main options before you travel.
What if I need professional printing today?
If you’re working to an urgent deadline, look specifically for a printer that offers express or same-day production rather than assuming any nearby print shop can complete the job immediately.
Same-day availability can depend on the product, quantity, material, finishing, artwork and the printer’s production capacity that day.
Having print-ready artwork available when you make the enquiry can make a significant difference.
Printpal London offers same-day printing in London across many commercial print products, subject to the specification and production availability. Our usual same-day cut-off is 14:00 Monday to Friday, with payment and print-ready artwork required before the relevant cut-off.
How can I tell what type of printing company I’ve found?
Don’t rely solely on whether the business calls itself a print shop, copy centre or commercial printer.
Look at what it actually offers.
Before placing an order, check:
- the types of printed materials it produces;
- whether it provides document services or commercial print production;
- the sizes and materials available;
- whether it can handle the quantity you require;
- its artwork requirements;
- available turnaround times;
- whether orders need to be arranged before visiting;
- collection and delivery options.
If you’re unsure, send the printer a short description of what you need. Include the size, quantity, required material if known, deadline and artwork. They should then be able to tell you whether the job is suitable for their production setup.
Is Printpal London a print shop or commercial printer?
Printpal London is primarily a commercial printer based in Finchley, North London.
We produce professional commercial print for businesses, organisations, events and individuals, including marketing materials, business print, booklets, invitations, certificates, stickers and labels, display graphics, rigid boards, banners and other printed materials.
We aren’t a traditional walk-in copy shop. Printpal London doesn’t offer photocopying, scanning or self-service printers, so if that’s what you need, a dedicated copy shop or library is likely to be the more suitable choice.
For commercial printing, customers generally send us their specification and artwork electronically before production. Completed orders can then be collected from our Finchley studio or delivered.
Same-day production is available on many products where the specification is suitable and production capacity allows. Eligible same-day orders are generally available for collection between 17:00 and 18:00, with same-day London courier delivery generally between 18:00 and 22:00.
Frequently asked questions
Is a print shop the same as a copy shop?
Not always. Some businesses provide both services, but a copy shop typically concentrates on everyday documents, photocopying and scanning, while a print shop may offer a broader range of professionally printed products. Check the individual company’s services rather than relying on the business name alone.
What’s the difference between a copy shop and a commercial printer?
A copy shop is generally geared towards straightforward document-related work. A commercial printer usually produces finished printed products to a particular size, material, quantity and specification for businesses, organisations, events and other professional projects.
Where should I print a few A4 documents?
A library, copy shop or document-printing service will usually be more appropriate than a commercial printer if you only need a few ordinary A4 documents.
Where should I print business or marketing materials?
Look for a print shop or commercial printer that produces the type of material you need. Check available stocks, sizes, quantities, turnaround and artwork requirements before ordering.
Does a print shop offer photocopying?
Some do and some don’t. “Print shop” is a broad description, so check that photocopying is specifically offered before visiting. Printpal London doesn’t provide photocopying.
Do I need a commercial printer for professional printing?
A commercial printer is generally appropriate when you need professionally produced materials to a defined specification rather than simply printing an everyday document. The right provider will depend on the product and requirements of your particular job.
So, should I use a print shop, copy shop or commercial printer?
Choose based on the job rather than the label.
If you need to photocopy paperwork, scan a document or print a few ordinary pages, a copy shop or library may be the easiest option. If you need professionally produced marketing, business, event, display or promotional materials, look for a print shop or commercial printer equipped for that type of production.
The nearest printing business isn’t necessarily the most suitable one. Checking what the company actually produces before sending your artwork or travelling there can save time and help you choose the right printing service from the outset.
